For independent filmmakers, at least when you are starting out, unions won't be much of a concern for you. You will normally hire your crew and actors from non-union members. Once you have made a couple of films and have started to make some money though, you will find you will need to make the transition to hiring union workers.
There are many unions affiliated with this industry including local ones. Here is a short list of a few you may encounter when embarking on your filmmaking career.
ACTRA
A Canadian based union, ACTRA specializes in television, film and radio performers as well as background performers, stunt performers, dancers, voice over artists and puppeteers. The letters stand for the Alliance of Canadian Cinema and Radio Artists. This union is a sister union to the one in the United States.
This union was founded in 1943 to promote as well as protect its members. They negotiate wages for the actor's as well as benefits such as medical and dental and even retirement benefits with one particular branch.
Much like the Academy Awards, ACTRA hosts an annual event to honor its members.
In order to gain membership with ACTRA an actor has to have had a speaking role in a film or TV production. This does not include Background performers as they usually don't speak in their roles. There are membership dues of $75 a year, plus a $75 initiation fee.
AFTRA
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is based in the United States and like ACTRA, protects their members by negotiating wages, working conditions and benefits.
This union represents Actors, Journalists, and any artist working in the media and entertainment industry.
Founded in 1930, it is one of the oldest unions in the United States. Beginning as a radio union in 1937, it has evolved to now combine negotiations with SAG.
CFTPA
This is the Canadian Film and Television Production Association. It represents Television and Multimedia companies. They manage labor agreements, taxation, trade, copyright, broadcasting and film.
Focused mainly on independent producers and production companies, CFTPA also trains young people on the ins and outs of the industry as well as how to compete in it.
Directors Guild of America/Canada
The main focus of this union is on representing Directors, Assistant Directors, Unit Production Managers, Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates in both Canada and the United States.
Just like the afore mentioned union, this one negotiates wages, benefits and working conditions for Directors of Film, Television, Stage, Media, Broadcasting and any other form of production.
This union has evolved into a worldwide union from its humble beginnings in 1934 with only 100 members.
SAG
SAG or the Screen Actors Guild was founded in 1933 when Directors controlled actors contracts. These contracts were unbearably long term and generally did not benefit the actors. SAG stepped in to release actors from these contracts as well as make sure the actors were treated fairly.
The union was founded because in these times, studios and producers held the actors contracts generally forcing them to work long, unbearable hours. In addition, the actors were also subjected to having their lives including personal ran by these contract holders.
This union has stood the test of time and is well noted for its best to protect its members. It was founded by a group of 21 actors who felt their rights were being violated.
In order to become a member, you must apply and have had at least one speaking role.
WGA/WGC
Writers Guild of America and the Writers Guild of Canada, promote writers in the film and television industry, media, CD-ROM, movies and news broadcasts.
The negotiating and enforcing of contracts with producers and directors for writers is the main job of this union. It also makes sure its members receive medical and dental benefits as well as residual earnings for all screenwriter members.
They have training programs and resources offered to writers of the union. Novel authors and screenplay writers can have their work registered with the union to protect it from anyone trying to steal it, or take credit for it.
There are many more unions including ones for theatre, projectionists, camera operators and post production. Depending on what area you are involved in, do some research and find out their requirements before submitting an application to them.
There are many unions affiliated with this industry including local ones. Here is a short list of a few you may encounter when embarking on your filmmaking career.
ACTRA
A Canadian based union, ACTRA specializes in television, film and radio performers as well as background performers, stunt performers, dancers, voice over artists and puppeteers. The letters stand for the Alliance of Canadian Cinema and Radio Artists. This union is a sister union to the one in the United States.
This union was founded in 1943 to promote as well as protect its members. They negotiate wages for the actor's as well as benefits such as medical and dental and even retirement benefits with one particular branch.
Much like the Academy Awards, ACTRA hosts an annual event to honor its members.
In order to gain membership with ACTRA an actor has to have had a speaking role in a film or TV production. This does not include Background performers as they usually don't speak in their roles. There are membership dues of $75 a year, plus a $75 initiation fee.
AFTRA
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is based in the United States and like ACTRA, protects their members by negotiating wages, working conditions and benefits.
This union represents Actors, Journalists, and any artist working in the media and entertainment industry.
Founded in 1930, it is one of the oldest unions in the United States. Beginning as a radio union in 1937, it has evolved to now combine negotiations with SAG.
CFTPA
This is the Canadian Film and Television Production Association. It represents Television and Multimedia companies. They manage labor agreements, taxation, trade, copyright, broadcasting and film.
Focused mainly on independent producers and production companies, CFTPA also trains young people on the ins and outs of the industry as well as how to compete in it.
Directors Guild of America/Canada
The main focus of this union is on representing Directors, Assistant Directors, Unit Production Managers, Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates in both Canada and the United States.
Just like the afore mentioned union, this one negotiates wages, benefits and working conditions for Directors of Film, Television, Stage, Media, Broadcasting and any other form of production.
This union has evolved into a worldwide union from its humble beginnings in 1934 with only 100 members.
SAG
SAG or the Screen Actors Guild was founded in 1933 when Directors controlled actors contracts. These contracts were unbearably long term and generally did not benefit the actors. SAG stepped in to release actors from these contracts as well as make sure the actors were treated fairly.
The union was founded because in these times, studios and producers held the actors contracts generally forcing them to work long, unbearable hours. In addition, the actors were also subjected to having their lives including personal ran by these contract holders.
This union has stood the test of time and is well noted for its best to protect its members. It was founded by a group of 21 actors who felt their rights were being violated.
In order to become a member, you must apply and have had at least one speaking role.
WGA/WGC
Writers Guild of America and the Writers Guild of Canada, promote writers in the film and television industry, media, CD-ROM, movies and news broadcasts.
The negotiating and enforcing of contracts with producers and directors for writers is the main job of this union. It also makes sure its members receive medical and dental benefits as well as residual earnings for all screenwriter members.
They have training programs and resources offered to writers of the union. Novel authors and screenplay writers can have their work registered with the union to protect it from anyone trying to steal it, or take credit for it.
There are many more unions including ones for theatre, projectionists, camera operators and post production. Depending on what area you are involved in, do some research and find out their requirements before submitting an application to them.
About the Author:
Marcy Burlock is an independent filmmaker and featured writer on Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Screenwriting for Movie with others. You can also find her other lessons including Acting Audition Tips on Clivir.
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